Thousands at annual fair

THOUSANDS of people ignored the dismal weather forecast and descended on Frogham to take part in its annual day of traditional fun on Saturday.

Elaine Hill and her collies were the stars of Frogham Fair, wowing the crowds as they herded geese, goslings and ducks through a sheepdog trial and obstacle course.

Another star at the fair was three-year-old Missy Hood, who underwent life-changing selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) surgery in January, after a fundraising campaign to raise £50,000 to send her to
America was launched at the fair last year.

Missy celebrated her third birthday by being able to stand up and walk around the fair, using a frame, alongside her family, including her great-grandfather Jim Loader, who owns the land on which
the fair is held.

People stood four deep to watch the terrier races, at which pups pelted every which way in cheerful chaos, and the crowds gathered at the top of Blissford Hill to watch competitors dash up the hill
in the wheelbarrow race.

There were scores of stalls and refreshments, and music performed by Celtic Confusion, who played a mix of Irish and Scottish tunes throughout the afternoon.

Organiser Sue Herd said: "Elaine Hill was indeed wow, and the main attraction with her dogs rounding up the goslings and geese. And of course Missy was at the fair, celebrating her birthday with
her great-grandfather looking on proudly.

"We had a torrential downpour of rain for about 20 minutes, but everyone took shelter in the stalls and under umbrellas and nobody left, you see the fair is always enjoyed by Joe public who always
know how to enjoy themselves whatever the weather."

Proceeds from the fair have not yet been totted up, but will be split between local charities, including Fordingbridge Air Cadet Force, Stuckton
Brownies, the Hampshire and IOW Air Ambulance and Hyde Village Hall.